While Schuerholz’s leadership philosophy is detailed throughout, Built to Last is at heart a baseball book, told by a man who’s seen a lot and repeatedly come out on top. A few examples:
Barry Bonds a Brave? Schuerholz gives the scoop on how he almost pulled off that deal, leading you to wonder if it would have been one of his best moves or the move that would have brought the organization to its knees.
Schuerholz takes us inside the John Rocker controversy, when the temperamental closer utilized every racial and ethnic stereotype in the book to show his contempt for New Yorkers.
Tom Glavine’s departure gets an extensive treatment, as Schuerholz recounts how a team’s payroll, a player’s ego, and pressure from the union can combine to create a situation that no one really wants.
Schuerholz discusses the economics of the game, from his disgust at the escalation of salaries and the power of agents to how he’s managed to create winners while constantly saying goodbye to core players he couldn’t afford.
And there’s plenty more, including stories about the signing of pitcher Tim Hudson, Deion Sanders’ #1 fan (himself), and a certain co-worker in Kansas City, who hooked up Schuerholz’s first VCR long before becoming the king of conservative talk radio.
Built to Last will undoubtedly be a best-seller in Atlanta, but it’s got plenty to offer other readers, too, whether you want to learn to be a better leader from someone who’s got untarnished credentials, or whether you just love baseball. Or maybe both.
Article comments
1 - JP
The guy is class, even though he hasn't produced more than one championship. I know, he never lives that down here in ATL.